Today marks the 22nd anniversary of the release of my all-time absolute favorite song – “What Have I Done to Deserve This” by the Pet Shop Boys – which tells the story of a capitalist girl (as sung by Dusty Springfield) and her artsy boyfriend and how they can’t make it work but can’t live without each other…all wrapped up in the catchiest melody ever.

I’m off to the Passion Pit show tonight at Bowery..my first concert after a month-long hiatus! Manners is popping up on Best of ’09 lists left and right. I’m a fan, but definitely not there yet..perhaps this concert will change my mind?

Even though “Deadbeat Summer” (see previous post) is probably more accurate, I like to think that this song (and everything going on in the too cute for school video) is my real summer jam. Pony Pony Run Run (best or worst name ever?) hail from France and bring us the best pop song I’ve heard in a long time. Their latest album You Need Pony Pony Run Run was released this week, buy it here.

Ahh dream pop..where have you been? The latest installment of my favorite genre comes from the mysterious Neon Indian, the anonymous collaboration of a Brooklyn girl and a guy from Austin, TX (there’s quite a bit of identity speculation out there, but I have no idea). A lot of people aren’t fans of this “elusive” marketing technique that seems to be en vogue lately (see: The Golden Filter), but I say as long as the music’s good I don’t mind. With all the information overload these days, when you can know everything about anything, it’s kind of nice to get to know an artist solely from their musical output. And I suppose I’m more likely to want to see the live show (I guess I’m just easily manipulated like that).

Their new EP Psychic Chasms will be out later this year, and based on these tracks, it’s gonna be awesome.

The four Londoners of Bombay Bicycle Club graduated high school just last June, but don’t let that fool you. Already quite prolific for their years (2 EPs, 2 singles, and an LP on the way) the band delivers a mature sound with charmingly timorous vocals and perfect indie-rock melodies. No surprise that Island Records scooped them up late last year. Jim Abbiss (who’s worked with Arctic Monkeys and Kasabian) produced their debut album I Had The Blues But I Shook Them Loose which drops on July 6, with second single “Dust on the Ground” to be released June 22. First single “Always Like This” is summer yearning put to music and it’s oh-so-catchy, with a fantastic remix by James Rutledge that ups the electro ante.

Presenting 18 minutes of dense and evocative dubstep and percussion, from the Burial and Four Tet split 12″, a collaborative effort from a couple of the most innovative producers out there. Sublime, mysterious and bubbling with tension..leaves an indelible impression in my mind. Buy it here.

I’m currently a huge fan of British gal Ellie Goulding, owner of a uniquely pop-perfect voice (and perhaps a lonely heart too, the way she sings that lovely Bon Iver cover). Thus far we have a 4 song catalog that spans a soul-searching acoustic number to an electro-pop anthem, look for a full release later this year. The production is tight with Frankmusik and most recently Starsmith (for first single “Starry Eyed”) at the helm. Exciting stuff and the remixes aren’t even in full effect yet.

Top Posts

Recent Posts

Listen

Click the play button to stream songs. To download, right click the song and choose 'save file as' or use the mediafire link.
Downloads are meant for sampling purposes only, if you like what you hear please support the artist.

Contact

For questions/comments/song additions or removals:
bananasfosterblog@gmail.com